PORTLAND, Ore. --- Junior Benji Michel scored in the 31st minute and the Portland defense and goalkeeper Kienan Weekes repeatedly came through in the clutch to preserve the shutout as the No. 21 Pilots defeated the UCLA Bruins 1-0 on Thursday in an NCAA First Round game played at Merlo Field. The Pilots advance to the second round, where they'll face Kentucky in Lexington on Sunday.
Michel's goal came after UCLA (10-9-0) had possession deep in its own territory, and a long ball across the field found the feet of Alejandro Pereira. The freshman then fed Michel, who took a couple of touches near the left edge of the area.